For a few tense rounds Saturday night, it looked like relatively-unknown Jimmy Kelly was doing a shrewd job of timing Jaime Munguia in traffic and beating the Mexican to the punch. And frankly, it looked like Munguia was getting frustrated.
However, Munguia changed all that during the fifth round with a big left hook to send Kelly careening to the canvas. An uppercut and unloading of punches later and Kelly was dropped two more times toward a fifth-round TKO for Munguia.
It seems likely a step up in competition awaits the exciting talent — the time is now for Munguia to test himself against a world champion, former world titleholder or high-ranked contender.
“I’m ready for any challenge,” Munguia told DAZN’s Chris Mannix in the ring.
“I think (this fight) helped me out a lot. I’m ready to go back to 160 (pounds) to fight for a world title or to move up to 168 pounds. I’m ready for any challenge.
Munguia, at 25-years-old with a 40-0 record including 32 knockouts, is a serious contender worthy of a title shot. But who is the perfect next dance partner for Munguia's ambitions?
Here are the fights I would love to see happen.
Jermall Charlo
GettyImages
Starting right at the top, many fans would love to see Munguia on collision course with the WBC middleweight champion.
After finishing off Kelly, Munguia agreed with the idea.
“I want to say what Oscar [De La Hoya) said to Jermall Charlo — come out here, show some balls and stop hiding behind Al Haymon and fight me," he said.
"I think it would be a great fight for everyone and for all in boxing as well.”
Demetrius Andrade
Same can be said for WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade, who has lobbied for a fight with the likes of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Gennadiy Golovkin and Charlo for years only to come up empty each time.
Andrade and Munguia could definitely use each other to boost the other’s stock in what would be an intriguing fight.
I wrote months ago how these two could be each other's solution to their mutual conundrum, when it comes to making the next big career step. And though Andrade seems to be prioritizing 168 pounds at present, if he is that determined to finally land a big fish, he'll surely bet on himself and play "winner takes all" vs Munguia back at 160 pounds for a shot at the promised land, if the right deal can be struck.
Gennadiy Golovkin OR Canelo Alvarez
(Getty Images)
Finally, if Munguia comes up empty in attempts to secure a fight with Charlo or Andrade, he could make his case to fight the winner or loser of the Canelo-GGG trilogy. Either situation would grant Munguia with a sorely-needed big-name opponent, though it would be hard for Golden Boy to pull off.
And while the winner of Canelo-GGG 3, airing live on DAZN in most parts of the world, will cement themselves as the hottest ticket in boxing today and a pound-for-pound elite, whoever comes up on the losing end will be looking for instant credibility in a rehab fight in early 2023, which Munguia could put up against a very formidable resume.
Either we'd have an incredible all-Mexican clash for Cinco de Mayo, or Munguia would finally get what he has been publicly chasing for some time: a big fight with the legendary 'Triple G'.